Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Children's Books

synopsis

Synopsis

When a homeless woman gives Maxzyne a painting of a French poodle just like the one in a storefront display, it turns out to be more than just a coincidence for the impulsive 10-year-old. Maxzyne finds herself at the center of a rescue mission when a wayward freight elevator, a family of enchanted vintage mannequins in distress, and a secret tunnel propel her straight into the mysterious depths of a Chicago department store. Can she convince the ghastly Gigi not to use the mannequins' heads in her art exhibit before store closing? It's a race against the clock for Maxzyne and her new mannequin sidekick Elise.Despite her overactive imagination and tendency to get distracted, she learns some important lessons about loyalty, bravery, generosity, and accepting responsibility for her actions. A wonderfully spirited and fun adventure story, Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins is a delightful read for children of all ages.

bio

Author Biography

Fed up with polygraphs, security clearances and a daily commute, Caroline Lee fled a career writing classified reports for the Dept. of Defense to become a full-time storyteller and daydreamer-in-chief. Often inspired by her surroundings, Caroline's first book, "Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins," features America's most impulsive heroine, 10-year-old Maxzyne Merriweather, whose madcap adventures take place in the magical and historic city of Chicago. Caroline currently resides in Delray Beach, Florida where the weather is much warmer than Chicago. She is a member of the Society of Childrens Bookwriters & Illustrators (SCBWI) and is thrilled that her first book "Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins" won the 2020 Independent Press Award for Children's Fiction. The second adventure in the series, "Maxzyne and the Old Horse Theatre" is now also available on Amazon and recently won two Story Monsters Dragonfly awards! And just released: MAXZYNE GOES AQUAMARINE in ebook and soft cover. Learn more at www.maxzyne.com

website

Author Insight

Being Real

I enjoyed writing this scene of Elise experiencing life as a real girl for the first time. The escalators in the historic Marshall Fields building are truly impressive to see as they carry shoppers up toward the glass atrium for seven levels. Elevators are also available, but I always preferred the leisurely pace of the escalator, riding up and away from the big center fountain below, taking in the swirling, bustling crowds entering and exiting in every direction. It was fun to imagine how many ladies, in particular, over the decades, probably rode the same moving staircase, meeting for lunch in the dark wood-paneled Walnut Room restaurant after exiting at the top level, all while chattering their way to a white linen-covered table. The styles they wore over the years have changed, but the friendships forged over a fluffy-crusted chicken pot pie and Frango mint ice cream sundae for dessert are forever.

Book Excerpt

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Elise is more enchanted by the escalator. “It’s like a moving staircase, isn’t it?” she says. She holds the handrail tight as they are lifted higher into the lofty atrium. Maxzyne looks at her, surprised. Elise shrugs. “I’ve always been on the back elevator before. They cram us into the car along with the display furniture when the store is closed. Believe me, it’s not open and fun like this. Sometimes we’re not even dressed! Maman just hates that.”

“Sorry. I keep forgetting you’re not . . .” Maxzyne fades off uncertainly.

“Real? Well, for now I am. So I’m going to enjoy every minute!” Elise throws her arms out dramatically. They both giggle.

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CAROLINE LEE

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Being Real

Book Excerpt

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Comment on this Bubble